1. 8TH GRADE ELA Jennifer Wilson
Mill Creek Middle School

2. ABOUT MS. WILSON
Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Secondary Education at MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University)
Five years teaching 8th Grade ELA at Sunset Middle School
Spent five years teaching English I and II at Page High School
Much of my practices have been adapted from my English I and II experience and help to make a smooth transition from 8th grade to high school.
Data-driven instruction and careful alignment with the WCS ELA Scope & Sequence

3. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES WILL BE IN OCTOBER
Unfortunately, at this early date, I am not familiar enough with your student’s ability in ELA to have a mini-conference this evening. However, if you have a concern that arises or that you anticipate, please me and we will address it. I will begin doing the same, usually via .

4. GROWTH MINDSET!
Not only do we want the children to grow academically, but we also want them to grow in maturity and responsibility:
Become problem solvers!!
Be accountable for their actions
Advocate for themselves
Encourage others to do the same

5. *Academic Fair will take place in
Research will be a year-long endeavor through a series of mini-projects leading up to… Academic Fair!!
*Academic Fair will take place in
May (around the 2nd to last week of school).
*All 8th graders will participate
* Students create desk-sized exhibits to display what they learned during their research unit.

6. Procedures:
5 subject notebook: The majority of work will be done in the 5 subject spiral notebook. We spent some time labeling the five sections in class, so this will help with organization. Organization is key!
Two pocket folder: The folder is to contain documents that don’t go in the spiral. Most students have pockets in the spiral and are welcome to use those pockets instead/ in addition to the folder.

7. Procedures:
Assignments: All daily assignments are listed on the board in my room and students are responsible for knowing what the homework is. This may vary by class. Test dates and project due dates will be posted on the calendar on my website. Grading For Learning:
* No student will receive a permanent zero- incompletes/missing assignments will be recorded and Homework Lunch Club will be assigned for late work to be completed.
* All graded work will be assessed in its own category or “Standard” group. The breakdown is on the syllabus for reference.

8. Curriculum Quarter 1 Reading: Writing:
Short stories
Poetry
Novel study
Informational text
Writing:
Responding to literature
Mini-research project
Focus this year: Citing textual evidence to support ideas, thoughts, and conclusions.

9. Curriculum Quarter 2 Reading: Writing: Poetry Short stories
Reading:
Poetry
Short stories
Novel study
Informational text
Writing:
Responding to literature using textual evidence
Mini-research project

10. Curriculum Quarter 3 Reading: Writing/Research:
Speeches that changed the world (Communication)
Drama
Informational text
Novel study
Writing/Research:
Research Paper
TN Ready Assessment

11. Curriculum Quarter 4 Reading: Research Novel study Short stories
Informational text
Research
Research Paper
Academic Fair Project

12. Communication Email is the most reliable mode of communication
Skyward parent access
8th Grade Edublog: du/millcreek8/
Encourage student communication about grades to promote responsibility and self- advocacy
Jennifer Wilson
Room D226
School Website: